DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 19 -- Government agencies on Friday committed to a coordinated implementation of their respective safety measures to ensure that people are safe as the holiday rush is picking up this weekend for Christmas.

The commitment was made during the launching of the Department of Health-Negros Island Region's (DOH-NIR) Oplan Ligtas Christmas at a mall here in this provincial capital.

DOH-NIR director Dr. Razel Nikka Hao said this is the first time to bring together the agencies tasked to provide public safety and security during the holidays, particularly on Christmas and New Year's Day.

"As the NIR enters its first Christmas as a new region, this is the standard that we want to set: early coordination, decisions and plans...